Compare Zyrtec vs. Allegra-D

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.

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Treats allergy symptoms.

Zyrtec (Cetirizine) is a once-daily allergy relief medication that won't make you feel too sleepy.

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3.8/ 5 average rating with 1232 reviewsforZyrtec
Treats allergy symptoms and congestion.

Allegra-D (fexofenadine / pseudoephedrine) is a combination allergy medicine that's useful if you have congestion and runny nose.

Upsides
  • Zyrtec (Cetirizine) works as well as other antihistamines to treat sneezing and runny nose, but causes less sedation.
  • Works well to also treat hives and itchy skin.
  • Zyrtec (Cetirizine) is available over the counter without a prescription.
  • It comes as a tablet, liquid, and quick-dissolving tablet.
  • It can provide quick relief of allergy symptoms for both kids and adults.
  • It's okay to take with most other medications because it has few drug interactions.
  • Most people don't get any side effects from Zyrtec (Cetirizine).
  • Allegra-D (fexofenadine / pseudoephedrine) contains two medicines that work in different ways to help relieve multiple symptoms including nasal congestion and allergies.
  • Available without a prescription in the drugstore.
Downsides
  • Although it works fast, its effectiveness wears off for some people over time.
  • Zyrtec (Cetirizine) can be slightly more sedating than Allegra or Claritin.
  • Some people find that other more sedating antihistamines, like Benadryl, are more effective for them than Zyrtec (Cetirizine).
  • If you have daily allergy symptoms, a prescription nasal steroid spray might be better for you long-term.
  • You must show a photo ID to purchase this medicine from behind the pharmacy counter. There's a maximum limit on how much Allegra-D (fexofenadine / pseudoephedrine) you can buy at a time.
  • Allegra-D (fexofenadine / pseudoephedrine) can have more side effects (such as increased blood pressure and difficulty sleeping) than Allegra since it has pseudoephedrine in it.
  • If you have severe high blood pressure or heart disease you can't take this medicine. If you have kidney damage, you may not be able to take Allegra-D (fexofenadine / pseudoephedrine).
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Used for
Dosage forms
  • Pill
  • Liquid capsule
  • Dissolving tablet
  • Liquid
  • Pill
No pricing information available
No pricing information available
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Reviews
1232 reviews so far
76%
saidit'sworth it
47%
saiditworked well
7%
saidit'sa big hassle

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Side effects
The Zyrtec (Cetirizine) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
10possible side effects
  • Headache
    13%
  • Trouble sleeping
    13%
  • Nausea
    7%
  • Dry Mouth
    3%
  • Indigestion
    3%
  • Throat irritation
    2%
  • Dizziness
    2%
  • Agitation
    2%
  • Back pain
    2%
  • Palpitations
    2%
See more detailed side effects
Risks and risk factors
  • Taking the wrong medication
  • Increased side effects
    • Age 65 or older
  • Driving impairment
    • Taking with alcohol
    • Taking other medicines that make you less alert
  • Overdosage
    • Current kidney disease
    • Current liver disease
See more detailed risks and warnings
  • Driving impairment
    • Taking with alcohol
    • Taking other medicines that make you less alert
  • High blood pressure
    • History of high blood pressure
  • Heart problems
    • History of heart problems
    • Age 65 or older
  • Seizure
    • History of seizure
See more detailed risks and warnings
Learn more about Zyrtec (Cetirizine)
Learn more about Allegra-D (fexofenadine / pseudoephedrine)